Propulsion engineers design, analyze, test, and improve the systems that move aircraft, spacecraft, launch vehicles, and other high-performance platforms. Their work may involve rocket engines, gas turbines, electric propulsion, fuel systems, combustion, and thermal management. Explore vetted Propulsion Engineer opportunities on Ladders, focused on professional roles paying $100,000 or more.
Responsibilities vary by employer and product, but can include developing propulsion concepts, building performance models, evaluating components, interpreting test data, and supporting systems through design, qualification, and production. Engineers also collaborate across disciplines such as aerodynamics, structures, controls, manufacturing, and systems engineering to meet performance, safety, reliability, and cost goals.
Many roles call for a degree in aerospace, mechanical, or a related engineering discipline, along with experience in propulsion or thermal-fluid systems. Employers may seek knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, combustion, turbomachinery, materials, simulation tools, and experimental testing. Depending on the position, familiarity with requirements management, technical documentation, and regulated or defense programs may also be valuable.
Propulsion engineers work across aerospace, commercial aviation, space exploration, launch services, defense, and advanced technology. Career paths can lead to senior or principal engineering positions, technical leadership, chief engineering, program management, or specialized work in engine performance, combustion, testing, or electric propulsion.
Use Ladders to explore vetted professional opportunities with compensation of $100,000 or more. Compare roles by employer, location, experience level, and technical focus to find a position aligned with your expertise and career goals. Job requirements and compensation vary by opening.
Operations Development Lead Manufacturing Engineer - NPI
$79K - $112K *
Lead the transition of new products from design to manufacturing, ensuring timely market launch with quality and cost efficiency. Collaborate across teams to define requirements and manage project del...
1 week ago
$153K - $172K *
Elevate your career by designing and building spacecraft hardware. Collaborate with senior engineers, take ownership of components, and drive integration and testing in a fast-paced environment. Exper...
6 days ago
Development Engineer - AE 2100/AE 1107
$98K - $160K *
Deliver innovative engineering solutions as a Development Engineer, ensuring configuration control and supporting testing for advanced gas turbine engines. Collaborate across teams to meet customer an...
1 week ago
$130K *
Unlock your potential by providing senior aerospace engineering support for space systems acquisition and integration. Collaborate across multiple segments to enhance missile warning, tracking, and de...
1 week ago
$93K - $166K *
Unlock potential by driving the design and production of innovative mechanical systems. Collaborate closely with a dedicated team to deliver sustainable home energy solutions through hands-on problem...
3 weeks ago
$94K - $158K *
Unlock your potential as you lead complex mechanical engineering projects, utilizing CAD and FEA tools to design innovative solutions. Collaborate with experts and guide teams while ensuring project s...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Shape your career by evaluating field diagnostics and collaborating with technical teams to enhance data quality and training programs in a dynamic environment focused on nuclear incident response...
Today
Mechanical Engineer - Undersea Systems - 1680
$100K - $150K *
Invent innovative mechanical solutions for deep-submergence systems, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to design, analyze, and prototype components for high-pressure underwater applications...
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$150K - $200K *
Pioneer your career by leading advanced engineering simulations in propulsion. Drive FEA, CFD, and thermal analysis to enhance rocket engine designs and uphold best practices while collaborating with...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Prototype Development Engineer
$88K - $105K *
Transform prototype development by leading fabrication, assembly, and safety in our lab. Coordinate cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality mockups and test conformities while ensuring a cultur...
3 weeks ago
Experienced or Lead Mechanical Systems Design & Analysis Engineer
$103K - $171K *
Discover innovative solutions as you lead mechanical design and analysis efforts, ensuring systems meet specifications while mentoring engineers and driving project success in a dynamic environment...
Today
$140K - $205K *
Drive operational excellence in Avionics Manufacturing by optimizing processes, enhancing data collection, and supporting product transitions from prototype to production. Collaborate with cross-funct...
1 week ago
$97K - $117K *
Drive your career with structural design and analysis for advanced aerospace systems, collaborating on innovative projects that ensure the integrity of flight hardware. Engage in testing and contribut...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Contribute to quality assurance and regulatory compliance in Nuclear Engineering audits from design through fleet support. Engage with management to develop audit plans, assess processes, and implemen...
Reposted yesterday
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in mechanical engineering excellence, guiding project phases from concept to commissioning. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality, compliant solutions in the...
1 week ago
$111K - $167K *
Empower your career by leading safety initiatives and ensuring compliance in EHS, Sustainability, and Security. Drive strategic goals across programs while collaborating with diverse teams to achieve...
3 weeks ago
$115K - $150K *
Join a dynamic team to design and test cutting-edge avionics systems for aviation. Leverage your mechanical engineering expertise to drive innovative solutions and enhance aircraft performance while c...
2 weeks ago
$103K - $129K *
Drive your career forward as you lead technical projects in nuclear power systems. Manage schedules, assess risks, and provide solutions while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure proje...
6 days ago
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Lead the charge in delivering innovative engineering solutions for multiple projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage scope, schedule, and budget while driving technical excellence a...
2 weeks ago
$78K - $120K *
Join a team that's dedicated to delivering high-quality civil engineering solutions. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to execute construction projects, ensuring safety, reliability, and adher...
2 weeks ago
Senior Principal Engineer, Project Engineering (Hybrid)
$132K - $251K *
Unlock your potential by leading complex aerospace engineering projects, driving strategic execution, and ensuring alignment with customer and business objectives while managing cross-functional teams...
1 week ago
$104K - $144K *
Transform intricate designs into certifiable wire diagrams for VIP aircraft interiors. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and utilize advanced electrical design tools, ensuring every project meet...
3 weeks ago
Lead Project Engineer - Propulsion Engines
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative gas turbine engines, managing cross-functional teams to deliver technical projects on time and within budget while ensuring compliance with certification requi...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing shipboard propulsion systems. As a Mechanical Engineer, you'll manage multi-phase projects, analyze performance data, and ensure technical excellence in mecha...
2 days ago
Electrical Engineer - Facilities Project Manager
$95K - $115K *
Lead electrical engineering initiatives to support maintenance and infrastructure projects at a historic shipyard. Collaborate with vendors and local officials to ensure project success while adhering...
4 days ago
What does a propulsion engineer do?
A propulsion engineer designs, analyzes, tests, or improves systems that generate thrust or power for vehicles such as aircraft, spacecraft, and launch vehicles. Specific duties depend on the technology and employer.
What qualifications are common for propulsion engineer jobs?
Many positions seek a bachelor's or advanced degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field, plus relevant experience. Requirements may include expertise in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, combustion, turbomachinery, modeling, or testing.
Which industries hire propulsion engineers?
Common employers include aerospace and aviation companies, spaceflight and launch providers, defense contractors, and organizations developing advanced propulsion technologies.
What skills are useful in a propulsion engineering career?
Useful skills include propulsion-system analysis, thermal-fluid sciences, simulation, test planning, data analysis, technical communication, and cross-functional collaboration. The most relevant skills vary by specialty and role.
Are Propulsion Engineer jobs on Ladders $100,000 or more?
Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more. Compensation and eligibility requirements vary by listing, so review each opening for current details.